Headguard to reduce injury severity to the wearer

ABSTRACT

Generally, the present invention relates to a head guard of fabric, with elastic, resilient properties, and or inelastic properties, including hook and loop surfaces for fitting any required head sizes for the upper half or less of the head area, such as one or more straps or hat shape that have one or more various types of a relatively low density stiffener liner material, fastened to or contained within layers of the straps or hat shaped covering that will provide impact protection to the front, top, sides, or back or any combination thereof, for the head. It varies from a helmet in that it is made of soft material and is designed to slip easily from the head to prevent hanging and entrapment of the user. It dampens or cushions the impact and is not limited to a single impact lifetime.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] A prior application was filed for a provisional patent on Apr. 24, 2001 by the inventor, Mary L Aaron. Application No. 60/286,649 was assigned on Apr. 27, 2001.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

RFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Small children (six months to six years of age) are currently not adequately protected against head/brain injury by any type of head gear. They are too young and their physical development is too immature to allow them to safely wear helmets designed for older users as defined in the USCPSC Safety Standard for bicycle helmets, or helmets designed for other specific uses such as soccer. They are subject to injury from falls, blows to the head, etc. They can be protected, by providing them with a light weight cushioning to reduce compressive stresses and/or absorb tensile stresses, that will be worn on the areas of the head most vulnerable to impact injury(s). This invention provides such protection. This invention is also suitable for use by others, including but not limited to, the elderly or special needs children who are vulnerable to impact injury to the head.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally, the present invention relates to a headguard of fabric with resilient properties and/or, stretchable properties, including hook-and-loop surfaces for fitting any required head size, to fit the upper half or less of the head area, such as a band, bands, or hat shape that has one or more various types of a relatively low density liner/stiffener fastened to or contained within the layers of the band(s) or hat shape covering which will provide impact protection to the front, top, sides or back of the head or any combination thereof. All materials used in the invention are non-toxic in nature.

[0006] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING Perspective: Band only, Front Padded option Front View: Band only, Front Padded option Side View: Band only, Front Padded option Front View: Padding All Around option, with optional central head strap, side to side Side View: Padding All Around option, with optional central head strap, side to side Front View: Padded hat/cap, optional, padding worn to the front Side View: Padded hat/cap, optional, padding worn to the front Front View: Padding All Around, Optional, center head support, side to side and front to rear straps Side View: Padding All Around, Optional, center head support, side to side and front to rear straps

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention can be made up of a band or bands or can be in a hat shape. The bands, can cover the top of the head from side to side (ear to ear) and the front, top, temporal and rear areas of the head; providing coverage with open areas for ventilation, or can cover the top of the head from front to rear and the front, top, temporal and rear areas of the head; or a combination of the two. Additionally, the single band can provide coverage to the front, temporal or rear areas of the head or any combination thereof. The invention in the hat shape configuration can provide coverage to the front, top, temporal or rear of the head or any combination thereof.

[0008] The resilient properties may be a molded form or a free form, which may or may not include a material to reduce the tensile, compressive stresses which may be incurred, shaped by the fabric surrounding the form and its construction. The resilient properties may be shock absorbing in nature.

[0009] The invention is specifically not secured to the wearer by use of a chin strap. The invention is constructed with stretchable materials or utilizes hook and loop fasteners to allow it to break away or slip easily from the wearer's head to prevent injuries such as entrapment or hangings.

[0010] The invention can be worn by a user of any age from six months on.

[0011] The invention is made by sewing a casing of fabric, affixing the resilient materials designed to absorb the tensile stresses potentially incurred, and any required fasteners; or by sewing a casing of fabric and affixing any required fasteners and resilient materials. The resilient materials may be molded or free form and may be encompassed by any part of or the whole fabric casing.

[0012] The invention is placed on the head of the wearer to achieve the protection to the area(s) of the head as desired. The intent of the invention is to provide protection that will reduce the severity of some impact injuries to the head/brain of the user. It is not intended to be used while riding bicycles or in lieu of a bicycle helmet. 

What I claim as my invention is: 1: This invention is unique in that the components of the headguard include a fabric affixed to the resilient materials, providing additional tensile strength to absorb stresses which may be incurred. 2: The invention is specifically designed to provide protection to users who's physical development, size, and/or age prohibit their use of other products now available; i.e., helmets, bicycle helmets, and other special use headgear. 3: The invention is designed to provide severity reduction for impact related head injuries by cushioning the head or specific areas of the head and dampening the impact. 4: The invention is designed to break away or slip off the head in the event of entrapment of the head and other occurrences such as hanging. 5: The invention is form-fitted to provide cushioning to areas of the head as deemed appropriate by the user/care provider of the user. 6 Protection can be provided to the top, side, back, front, temporal area of the head or any combination thereof by placing the impact absorbing resilient materials over those areas deemed vulnerable. 